Creating a trip

There are two ways to start a trip: upload a GPX or KML file of your route, or copy an existing trail on Hikeset. Either way, the trip creation wizard walks you through setting your route, placing campsites, and filling in trip details.

Customizing your route

Routes are defined by entry and exit trailheads. Click a marker on the map to select an existing trailhead, or click anywhere on the trail to set a custom start or end point.

After setting the entry trailhead, click Next to choose your exit. If you're returning to the same trailhead, select it again here.

Add campsites on the following page for a day-by-day mileage breakdown and daily maps.

Editing trip details

Click Edit Trip Settings at the top of the trip page to change the name, date, or description. The description supports rich text formatting including images, headers, and lists.

Changes are visible to all trip members.

Copying a trip

Copy someone else's trip to plan your own version. Pick new trailheads, dates, and campsites. You become the organizer of the copy.

Setting gear requirements

As the trip organizer, add gear requirements so everyone knows what to bring. Start with one-click essentials (Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Stove, Water Filter, Headlamp) or browse categorized suggestions and search for anything specific.

Each requirement has a type:

• Everyone needs one — personal gear like a sleeping bag or headlamp.
• Group needs X total — shared items like stoves, water filters, or bear canisters.

Requirements appear on the trip page and update in real time as members link their gear.

Editing requirements

Click any requirement you added to open the edit popup. Switch between "Everyone needs one" and "Group needs X," adjust the count, or remove it.

Requirements inherited from a parent trail are read-only. Changes you make update everyone's status right away.

Linking your pack list

After joining a trip, a prompt asks which pack list you're bringing. Select one of your existing lists or build a new one.

The trip automatically checks your list against what's needed. You can change or unlink your pack list anytime.

Reading the status indicators

Green means covered. Red means still needed.

Click any requirement for the full breakdown: who has it, who's sharing, and who's missing it. Shared items show a count like (2/3).

Sharing gear

Not everyone carries their own shelter or stove. Once your group has sorted out who's sharing with who, record it here so the dashboard stays accurate.

As a member: click a requirement where you're listed as missing, then use the "Sharing someone's gear?" dropdown to pick who you're sharing with.

As the organizer: the same popup gives you additional controls to mark any member as sharing.

Undo a sharing entry by clicking the x next to it. Alternatively, the organizer can switch the requirement from "Everyone needs one" to "Group needs X total" if fewer items are needed overall.

Example: Alice has a 3-person tent, but Charlie doesn't have one. Charlie clicks Shelter, selects Alice, and moves from "Missing" to "Sharing with Alice." The indicator turns green.

Coordinated gear keeps packs lighter and campsites cleaner.

Checking group readiness

The gear section is a live dashboard. All green means the group is ready. Any red means something still needs attention.

Click any red item to see exactly who's missing what. The dashboard updates as members link gear and record sharing — no spreadsheets needed.

Inviting members

Click Invite on the trip page. Invite by email (they'll get a link to join) or pick from your friends list.

Invited members appear on the trip with "Invited" status until they accept.

Accepting an invitation

Click the link in the invitation email. New to Hikeset? Create an account and you're in. Already have an account? You're added to the trip automatically.

Managing members

As the organizer, you can see who's accepted and who's still pending. Send a reminder to pending members, or remove a member if needed.

Building a pack list

A pack list is everything you plan to bring. Add items, organize by category, and track weight. Link it to a trip so the group can see what you're carrying.

Linking a pack list to a trip

From the trip page, click Add My Gear and select your pack list. The trip checks your list against its requirements, and your items appear in the "Has it" list for each match.

Organizing with views

Create views to group your pack list in custom ways. For example, separate items into "Base Weight," "Worn," and "Consumable" to see a weight breakdown by category.

Items can belong to more than one view. The "By View" tab appears once you add your first view.

Tracking details with custom fields

Add custom fields to track extra information per item — like cost, temperature rating, or condition. Choose between Number (can be totaled across your list) and Text.

Manage views and custom fields from the panel below the view tabs on your pack list page.